“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Sitting in the great outdoors once again…catching my breath after a super busy and social week. This is a place to go and get away from it all - to just sit silently and enjoy the quietness of nature…and write.
The last couple weeks have been quite different for me as the Lord has shown me new things about myself and Him. His plan. My purpose. Our relationship.
A friend of mine just had a son graduate from boot camp this weekend, and like any happy and somewhat proud mom, she posted “then and now” pictures of her military clad graduate. As to be expected, there were definitely noticeable differences between the two photos.
I feel like I’ve been in a boot camp of sorts the last few months. (I’m not complaining, it’s been hard, but rewarding.) God has been running me through His proverbial exercises: He’s been building my faith muscles, getting rid of excess weights, training for new adventures, moving me into new territory and teaching me new ways of doing things. It’s been tough, challenging and sometimes discouraging; however that’s to be expected. Right? Boot camp isn’t for sissies! FACT.
Life provides us lessons daily. We respond to stimuli daily. From the moment our feet hit the floor until we lay down our heads at night, opportunities and experiences from the day have shaped us into individuals who are just a little bit different by nightfall.
Just like a vessel on the potter’s wheel, we slowly change with each revolution and touch of his skilled hand. It’s not a one-and-done moment but a process which only shows visible changes with time, yielding and submission.
Sometimes, we get frustrated and don’t understand what is going on in our life. At times we get frustrated, and even angry because we don’t stop to realize that God has us on His wheel - going through a process. It takes us being mindful that He began a good work and has committed to finish it for His glory. Our day may have been relentless in our opinion, but God looks at it differently.
God has been giving me glimpses of this new season I’ve been talking about. He’s gently unveiled some things about the me He created and how I can touch lives because of the very things I consider a struggle. He’s shown me ways in which He can use what I, and others, may label as weaknesses - for His glory. He’s helped me understand why He created me with certain strengths as I’ve stepped out and been genuinely “me”. He’s kindly shown me why I don’t need to be afraid to fail, be imperfect, or of loving like He’s created me to do so. It’s all going according to His plan and purpose. Not mine, and that’s becoming more and more okay with me e as the days go by.
My will must break for His to be accomplished.
I feel a certain release - a freedom to be me. I feel like I’m standing a bit taller and slowly opening up to becoming more of who I am in Him. I’m becoming more aware of my purpose and also realizing how the enemy has tried to shut it all down. What about you? Can you look at your life through this lens?
Yes, I think when I stood in the mirror today, I saw me differently. There’s been some much needed redefining, shedding of weights I’ve carried, deep healing, and unimaginable improvements in multiple areas. I’m excited about eventually seeing that “then and now” picture God will be looking forward to taking of me. You know, we all can be that kid He lovingly displays on His refrigerator for all to see!
Let’s not be afraid of the “boot camp” days, let’s not stress over what we cannot do or how we may fail, let’s not be ashamed or intimidated to love like He designed us to, and above all, let’s be open to saying “YES!” to His plan for our lives. He designed us to please Him and touch other’s lives for His glory.
Won’t you join me today in being confident in this? It’s life changing! Let’s yield to His plans for our lives. Get your mirror ready and watch the changes which will come in the days ahead. No matter our age, there’s still time for a little boot camp exercising. As long as there’s breath in our body, He has a purpose for us to fulfill. It may not come to pass as we expected, but we can submit to our Master and “be all we can be in His army!”
We were made for more!
Smile…our Daddy just might be snapping our photos today. What a difference we’ll see as we grow in Him! What a difference between what we once saw and all we will eventually be in Him. My prayer for us today is that we won’t become disillusioned, disappointed or discouraged and go AWOL before we’re complete. Let’s graduate and give Him the honor!
Be blessed today, my friend.
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